A blog dedicated to the discussion of topics relating to the history of Sandusky and Erie County, Ohio; inspired by the collections of the Sandusky Library Archives Research Center and Follett House Museum. A service of the Sandusky Library.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

40th Anniversary Meeting of the International Union of Operating Engineers

On January 15, 1952 local photographer
William Mound took this photograph of the members of Local 496 of the International
Union of Operating Engineers. Pictured are: (top row, left to right) Joe Geise,
William Schemmer, Charles Popke, Sidney White; (bottom row) Frank Converse, Ben
Sprau, and Frank Merrick. Ben Sprau was a charter member of the local chapter
of the International Union of Operating Engineers, which was begun on January
12, 1912. The group started with only twelve members, and later grew to a
membership of almost one hundred. Mr. Sprau worked as a marine engineer for
over twenty five years, and later served as an engineer for the city of Sandusky.